At eighteen years of age, many are eager to go and explore the world, however one teenager giving back to the Community is Jawad Nasir, a volunteer on the Premier League Kicks programme.

Jawad has committed his time to the Premier League Kicks programme not only as a participant for the last six years, but more recently as a registered volunteer where he has fulfilled his role very successfully.

Jawad is a very popular participant and volunteer at several sessions on the PL Kicks programme and has attends sessions in the Normanton area of the city consistently.

His interactions and engagement during Premier League Kicks sessions is fantastic and his enthusiasm and commitment towards the different activities, initiatives and workshops has spurred others to also engage and get involved.

Since taking part in his first PL Kicks session at 13, Jawad has been on a journey of discovery, working hard to earn his FA Level 1 in Football Coaching qualification, along with various other training, including the Junior Football Leadership award.

Jawad believes participating and volunteering on the Kicks programme has given him confidence and focus, “You could have had a bad day at school and Kicks sessions would refresh your mind.

“The coaches always had your back, especially during the pandemic they would always have a Plan B to help and support you, and that really inspired me to do the same and be a part of it.

“I have met so many new people through Kicks and it has helped me massively with my confidence and socialising with people.”

Jawad was recognised for his efforts and shared his experiences in an interview with BBC East Midlands Today during National Volunteers Week, when the Community Trust received a ministerial visit from Baroness Barran, Minister for Civil Society. Jawad’s interview was broadcast regionally and he was complimented for his mature responses and genuine love of his volunteering.

As a young adult now, he will look to make the next step into hopefully working full-time or part time within the sports industry to hopefully engage, educate and inspire more young people like himself.